Switch box



Dec. 13, 1927. 1,652 531 o. 5. JENNINGS SWITCH BOX Filed Nov, 20, 1919 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR WITNESSES:

12 0/12 91" 5. jemm as ATTORNEY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 o. 5. JENNINGS SWITCH BOX Fi1ed'Nov.20, 1919 Dec. 13, 1927.

\NVENTOR Oliver .5 Jen/21 .5

BY M/ ATTORNEY WITNESSES:

Patented Dec. 13, 1927.

OLIVER S. JENNINGS, F BROOKLYN,

no WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC & PENNSYLVANIA.

NEW YoRmAssIeNoR MANUFACTURING com:

SWITCH BOX.

Application filed November 20, 1919. Serial No. 339,453.

My invention relates to switch boxes and particularly to safety switch boxes.

One object of my invention is to provide a safety switch box that shall have means for permitting access to the fuse compartment only when the switch is open and that shall permit access to the switch compartment only by authorized parties.

A further object of my inventionis to provide a double-door switch box of the above indicated character that shall be simple and inexpensive to construct and effective in its operation.

In practicing my invention, I provide a casing having a fuse compartment and a switch compartment therein separated by a barrier. A main hinged cover is provided for both compartments, and an auxiliary cover is hinged to the main cover to provide access to the fuse compartment only. A bolt is disposed on the main hinged cover to normally hold the auxiliary cover in its closed position. The bolt is interlocked with the switch to prevent the opening of the auxili'ary cover so long as the switch is closed,

and the with the switch to prevent closure of the switch so long as the door is open. The main cover to both compartments may be provided with a padlock which can be opened only by authorized persons. With this arrangement, fuses may be replaced only when the switch is open and it is possible to come into contact with live parts of the switch only whenthe main door is opened by an authorized person.

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings is a side view, partially in elevation, and partially in section, of a switch box embody- 40 ing my invention; Fig. 2 is an end view,

partially in elevation and partially in section, of the switch box shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the switch box shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

A rectangular casing 1, of sheet steel or other suitable material, is provided with an insulating member 2 in the bottom thereof upon which is mounted terminal members 3, for the reception of her 4. two compartments 6 and 7, in the compartment 6 of which is disposed fuses 8 and in the compartment 7 of which is disposed the switch 4.

auxiliary door is also interlocked notch 28, thereby be opened only when the switch end of the door 22 partment 7 in such manner switch 4 is open, the portion fuses, and a switch mem A barrier 5 CllVlClGS the casing 1 into b BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, PANY, A CORPORATION 03? The switch 4: comprises stationaryjaw members 9 and 10, knife-blade members 11 and a rod 12 thatis journaled in the sides 13 and 141 of the casing 1 to constitute a fulcrumed lever arm having a handle 15 for actuating the switch 4. The blade members 11 of the switch 4 are operatively connected, through aresilient member 16, to the straight transversely disposed rod 12.

portion 17 of the A cover 18 is hinged at the points 19 of the casing 1 and partments 6 and 7. An

extends over both comopening 20 is provided in the cover 18, through which projects an eye member 21 that is adapted to receive a padlock or other sealing A door 22 is hinged shown) device (not at points 23 of the doorl 18, adjacent the fuse compartment 6, and is provided with a for actuating mounted on the inner side 24 and a knob 25 bolt 26 is slidably spring latch the same. A

of the cover 18 and is provided with a spring 27 for normally holding the same in such a progection 29 on the 22.

position that it engages a notch 28in inner side of the door Thebolt 26 has a notch 30 therein the spring 27, and

thus moving the notch 30 111130 registering engagement with the permitting the door 22 to 41 is fully open. An arm. 32 is mounted at the hinged and extends into the com that, when the 17 of the rod 12 is disposed between the barrier 5 and the arm 32, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to thus prevent closure of of the drawings, the switch 4: so

long as the door 22 is open.

With the arrangement herein set forth, the fuses 8 may be replaced with safety by any person, and no special skill is necessary.

However, if it is desired to inspect the switch to observe the alignment of the contact memers or to repair the same, sentially be performed by an which must esauthorized person, it is only necessary to remove the padlock or seal, if one be employed, from the eye 21 to open the cover to the casing 1.

A projection 33, having an opening 34 therein, is provided on the casing 1 to receive a padlock (not shown), or other sealing device, in order that the handle 15 may be locked in its open position if it is desired.

My invention is not limited to the specific structure illustrated, as it may be variously modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A safety switch box comprising a casing having a barrier therein, a fuse in one portion of the casing and a switch in the other portion, a main hinged door for both portions of the casing, an auxiliary hinged door on the main hinged door adjacent the fuse portion of the casing, a latch for the auxiliary door biased to its closed position, means whereby the opening of the switch opens the latching device, and a projection on the auxiliary door for precluding the closure of the switch so long as the door is open.

2. A safety switch box comprising a casing, a switch within the casing, a main movable door for the casing, an auxiliary door hinged to the main door at one end thereof, a latch mounted on the main door for retaining the auxiliary door closed when the switch is closed.

8. A safety switch partment, a switch within the switch compartment, a main door for both compartments, an auxiliary door hinged to the main door adjacent the fuse compartment, a bolt mounted on the main door for precluding the opening of the auxiliary door and a projection on the bolt adapted to be engaged by the switch to actuate the bolt when the switch is opened.

4-. A safety switch box comprising a cas ing divided into a switch and a fuse compartment, a switch in the switch compartment, a main hinged door for both compartments, an auxiliary door hinged to the main door adjacent the fuse compartment, a bolt mounted on the main door for precluding the opening of the auxiliary door and a projection on the bolt adapted to be engaged box comprising a cas-' 'ing divided into a switch and abuse comby the switch to actuate the bolt when the switch is opened and a projection on the auxiliary door for so engagin the switch as to preclude the closure of the switch so long as the auxiliary door is open.

5. Switch mechanism comprising a housing open on one side, a movable switch within the housing accessible from the open side of the housing and having actuating means operable from the exterior of the housing, a door provided with an opening and hinged to the housing for substantially closing the entire open side of the housing and movable independently of the position of the switch, an auxiliary door movably attached to the main door for closing the said opening and means interlocking the auxiliary door with the switch.

6. Switch mechanism comprising a housing open on one side, a movable switch within the housing accessible from the open side of the housing and having actuating means operable from the exterior of the housing, a door provided with an opening and hinged to the housing for substantially closing the entire open side of the housing and movable independently of the position of the switch, an auxiliary door movably attached to the main door for closing the said opening and means interlocking the auxiliary door with the switch and separable from the switch to permit opening movement of the main door independently of the switch.

7. Switch mechanism comprising a housing open on one side, a movable switch within the housing accessible from the open side of the housing and having actuating means operable from the exterior of the housing, a door provided with an opening and movably attached to the housing for substantially closing the entire open side of the housing and movable independently of the position of the switch, an auxiliary door movably attached to the main door for closing the said opening, means for sealing the main door in closed position and means interlocking the auxiliary door with the switch.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 5th day of Nov, 1919.

OLIVER S. JENNINGS. 

